The Midpacker Podcast
Freetrail - Hosted by Troy Meadows
#100 Lazarus Lake | The Barkley Blueprint, Backyard Ultras, Embracing the Edge, & Why Comfort’s the Enemy
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“Failure means you found your edge—that’s where you learn.”
In this episode, Troy sits down with the one and only Gary Cantrell, better known to the trail world as Lazarus Lake. From humble beginnings in Tennessee to building the most notorious events in ultrarunning, Laz has done more than just push limits—he’s redefined them.
What you’ll hear in this episode:
How Laz went from a casual runner to the creator of iconic ultras like the Barkley Marathons and Big’s Backyard Ultra.
The origin story of Barkley and the infamous map, highlighters, and those cryptic course notes.
Why he believes failure is a feature—not a flaw—of a well-designed race.
Thoughts on what makes someone endure, when everyone else taps out.
His philosophy on community, suffering, and why the human spirit shines brightest in darkness.
The ethos behind races that break you down, only to build you back stronger.
Whether you’re a back-of-the-pack grinder or chasing podiums, Laz’s words will hit home. His belief that every